A Cuban Culture Day for Students Enrolled in Spanish
On February 22, Grade 10-12 students currently enrolled in the Spanish program experienced Cuban culture through a variety of activities in downtown Toronto. Studying a foreign language not only involves learning the grammar and vocabulary, but immersing oneself in the culture too. This is why students were taken out of the classroom and into the city!
Our first stop was the TIFF Bell Lightbox, home of the Toronto International Film Festival. This organization works with teachers to bring visual stories to life and to open the eyes of the students viewing them. This time our students watched a Cannes Film Festival award-winning film that debuted in 2005. Before the film began playing, students were given an introduction in Spanish. Key points about the political and socio-economic context in which the film was set and the storyline was explained. As students viewed the film, they were transported from one end of the largest island in the Caribbean, Cuba, to the other, as the two main characters crossed the nation in search of one of their fathers.
Our next stop was Lula Lounge, a venue for live Latin music and delicious food in Toronto. Students put their Spanish to the test as they ordered their meals in the target language. Here they were able to taste some traditional Cuban cuisine, such as “pollo con arroz y frijoles” (chicken with rice and beans) and “pastel tres leches” (three milk cake). After their hunger was satisfied, students were lead through a beginner Salsa Dance lesson taught by Dailyn Martinez, who was a professional dancer in Cuba. She not only presented the steps in Spanish, but she also explained the cultural significance of Salsa dancing. Even though it was chilly in Toronto, I hope students felt as if they were in tropical Cuba as they travelled through a visual and cultural journey for the day!
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Our next stop was Lula Lounge, a venue for live Latin music and delicious food in Toronto. Students put their Spanish to the test as they ordered their meals in the target language. Here they were able to taste some traditional Cuban cuisine, such as “pollo con arroz y frijoles” (chicken with rice and beans) and “pastel tres leches” (three milk cake). After their hunger was satisfied, students were lead through a beginner Salsa Dance lesson taught by Dailyn Martinez, who was a professional dancer in Cuba. She not only presented the steps in Spanish, but she also explained the cultural significance of Salsa dancing. Even though it was chilly in Toronto, I hope students felt as if they were in tropical Cuba as they travelled through a visual and cultural journey for the day!
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
13415 Dufferin Street King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
